From pop and rock to folk and jazz, there is something for everyone in Cornwall's music festival scene. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a look at the best music festivals in Cornwall that you simply cannot miss.
Discover new music, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
So let's book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the best of the festival music scene, Cornwall has to offer!
Jump to:
- Where are the Top Music Festivals in Cornwall?
- Boardmasters Festival, Newquay
- Leopallooza, near Bude
- Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth
- The Great Estate Festival, near Redruth
- Eden Sessions, Eden Project
- Panda Fest, near Bodmin
- Little Orchard, Healy's Cornish Cyder Farm
- Smaller Music Festivals in Cornwall
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You might also like
- 💬 Comments
Where are the Top Music Festivals in Cornwall?
Locations of the best music festivals in Cornwall!
Boardmasters Festival, Newquay
Boardmasters is a 5-day festival that takes place in Newquay every year. The festival dates for 2023 are the 9th-13th August.
The festival features international surf competitions at Fistral Beach as well as live music performances at Watergate Bay, which is considered one of the most stunning locations in the country to watch live music. The festival also includes BMX and skate competitions, as well as a bit of comedy and DJ sets.
The 2023 lineup includes headliners Lorde, Liam Gallagher, and Florence and the Machine.
Leopallooza, near Bude
Update 25/6/2023 - The guys at Leo have just announced that after 18 years, the 2023 Leopallooza will be the last one! According to their Facebook post, new and exciting things are coming to The Wyldes, where Leo is based, so watch this space for more information.
Leopallooza is a quirky and unique music festival that takes place a few miles south of Bude on the north coast. The festival is held in a hidden, tree-filled valley and is known for its charming and eclectic atmosphere.
The festival dates for 2023 are the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd July 2023 with headliners Orbital, Bloc Party, and Aurora.
Leopallooza has a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, and it's also a great family festival with designated family camping areas (we always stay in Sleepy Hollow), as well as plush bell tents in the Bell-Air boutique camping area.
Located just a 5-minute drive from my house, I've been lucky enough to go nearly every year since its inception back in 2006!
Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth
Tunes in the Dunes is a popular music festival that takes place on the stunning beach of Perranporth. It's a three-day event that this year (2023) is taking place on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of May.
The line-up for 2023 features headliners The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs, and James Bay, as well as Freya Ridings, and Reef.
One of the unique features of Tunes in the Dunes is its location. The festival takes place on the beach, which offers a beautiful backdrop for the music and creates a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the music while feeling the sand between their toes and taking in the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.
In addition to the music, Tunes in the Dunes also features a range of food and drink vendors, offering everything from traditional Cornish pasties to vegan street food. There are also bars serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including local beers and ciders.
The Great Estate Festival, near Redruth
The Great Estate Festival is a family-friendly music festival that takes place in the beautiful grounds of Scorrier House, near Redruth, Cornwall. The festival usually takes place in May or June (2nd - 4th June 2023), and it features a range of music genres, including indie, pop, and rock.
One of the unique features of The Great Estate Festival is its focus on family-friendly activities. The festival offers a range of workshops, circus performances, and craft sessions, making it an ideal destination for families with children. There are also food and drink vendors offering a range of local and international cuisines, as well as bars serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of Scorrier House, which offer stunning views of the Cornish countryside.
Eden Sessions, Eden Project
The Eden Sessions is a popular music festival that takes place at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The festival usually takes place over several dates in June and July and features a range of music genres, including rock, pop, and indie. Recent artists have included Bryan Adams, Stereophonics, Diana Ross, and Noel Gallagher.
One of the unique features of the Eden Sessions is its location. The festival takes place in the stunning setting of the Eden Project, which is a world-famous botanical garden and environmental education centre. Visitors can enjoy the music while surrounded by beautiful plants and gardens, creating a really unique experience.
Panda Fest, near Bodmin
Panda Fest is a grass-roots music festival that takes place in the village of Lanivet, near Bodmin. The festival usually takes place in July and features a range of music genres, including rock, indie, and folk.
One of the unique features of Panda Fest Lanivet is its focus on local talent. The festival features a diverse lineup of performers, many of whom are from the Cornwall area. This creates an authentic experience for visitors, as they can discover new music from local artists.
Little Orchard, Healy's Cornish Cyder Farm
Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival is a popular festival that takes place in the beautiful orchard of Healey's Cyder Farm, near Truro, Cornwall. The festival usually takes place in September and features a range of music genres, including indie, folk, and rock.
One of the unique features of Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival is its focus on cider. The festival offers a range of ciders from local producers, as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There are also food vendors offering a range of local and international cuisines.
There are also camping facilities available for visitors who want to stay for the weekend.
Smaller Music Festivals in Cornwall
In addition to the larger music festivals in Cornwall like Boardmasters and Tunes in the Dunes, there are also a number of smaller music festivals that take place throughout the year. These festivals offer a more intimate and relaxed setting for music lovers, and often feature local and regional acts alongside established performers.
One example is the Bude Jazz Festival, which has been running for over 30 years and is known for its support of jazz music. The festival takes place in the coastal town of Bude and features both local and national jazz musicians. Similarly, the Cornwall Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk events held in the town of Wadebridge, featuring music, song, dance, storytelling, and children's events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wednesday 9th August to Sunday 13th August 2023.
Weekend campers aged 18 or over can bring in limited amounts and types of alcohol to the campsite. You are only permitted to bring either 24 cans of beer/lager and/or cider and/or alcopops per person OR 2 bottles of wine (which must be decanted from glass bottles) per person into the campsites.
It depends on the festival. Some festivals allow dogs, while others have a strict no-dogs policy. It's best to check with the festival organisers before bringing your dog.
It's important to dress appropriately for the weather and the outdoor location. Sunscreen, hats, and waterproofs may be needed depending on the weather conditions. It's also important to bring cash, as some vendors may not accept card payments. Visitors should also bring their own supplies such as camping equipment, toiletries, and first-aid supplies if they plan to camp at the festival.
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